NEWS: Wales Rally GB Update

Excited! There's only 28 days to go until Wales Rally GB – the UK's only WRC round and the 2013 season finale. 

And the new-look WRC event looks set to be a classic, with a fresh base in North Wales proving popular with entrants and fans alike, the creation of new family friendly 'RallyFest' stages designed to give a full day's entertainment for less hardcore rally fans and now the news that ex-F1 star, Robert Kubica is set to enter the event in a Citroën DS3, in WRC spec. 

Kubica has been piloting a DS3 RRC in WRC2 this season, and will make the jump up to the full-on WRC car for the Welsh gravel classic, November 14-17th, Robert Kubica will step up to the DS3 WRC for the final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), competing with co-driver Maciek Baran.

A Wales Rally GB spokesman said: "With four category wins from the six rallies in which he has competed, Robert Kubica can rightfully feel pleased with his debut season in the WRC. Currently leading the WRC2 championship standings, he will be trying to seal overall victory later this month at Rally RACC Catalunya, where second place would be enough for him to win his first world title. Wales Rally GB, which until now was not part of his programme for this year, will provide him with the perfect opportunity to put his skills to the test in rally's top-flight category."

Robert Kubica added: "This one-off outing for the works team is a great opportunity for me, but it's also a huge challenge. Wales Rally GB wasn't part of my original programme, so I'm very happy to be able to have this precious experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my partners, and especially the Lotos Group and Citroën Racing for having made this possible."
&
WRC 2013's freshly crowned champion, VW Motorsport's Sébastien Ogier, says he is hoping to end his title winning season in grand style with victory on Wales Rally GB, despite his lack of experience on the tricky, wet, muddy, foggy, gravely, classic forest stages of Wales. 

"It's not my favourite event - I have had a lot of accidents there!" admitted the man who has tackled Wales Rally GB on five occasions and is yet to post a top ten finish, let alone come close to winning. "The stages are really nice but very difficult to judge with varying grip levels, and then there's the weather. But now with more experience, I'm hoping to secure a good result this year."

And, on top of this, surely the all-conquering VW Polo R WRC – set-up by a Wales Rally GB master, Carols Sainz – will see him onto the podium, for a fab finish to an unreal season for him and the team.
We can't cover the whole event in person this year (although you will be able to get all the latest event news from us on Twitter & Facebook), but we're planning a road trip in a new Subaru Outback CVT to go to the new-look event this year – for a nice big article in Road Magazine. Instead of marching the gravel stages as per usual, we will be attending one of the new RallyFest, family friendly stages, with huge TV screens showing off all the rally action, bands playing live and twin passes of the WRC stars and cars. It sounds different and great fun. Can't wait! And neither can my three month old (Michelle Mouton in the making...!).

Get involved: Book your tickets here.

NEWS: New Wales Rally GB Service Park Boost

With Wales Rally GB just over one month away now and the WRC circus set to come to the UK, organisers have given the new North-Wales-based event another boost – with a brand new service park area at the Toyota Engine Plant at  Deeside. 

The all-new service park has seen a quarter of a million pound investment (jointly funded by event organiser International Motor Sports and the Welsh Government), and will pay host to 150 rally teams and FREE live entertainment, from X-Factor star, Joseph Whelan and top ten chart band Republica whose signature single ‘Ready to Go’ seems tailor made for such a racy event.
The project has involved significant geotechnical surveys and ecological impact studies and resulted in the creation of more than eight acres (c34,000sqm) of hardcore surface in readiness for the arrival of 150 rally teams competing in the final round of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship.
To provide solid parking for all the service vehicles, hospitality units and other heavyweight temporary structures 13,000 tons of locally sourced crushed stone has been imported from near-by Halkyn in north Wales. The stone has been laid on a porous membrane to add further reinforcement to the substructure.
A further five acres will be rolled and prepared to provide on-site car parking for up to 1500 official, team and spectator vehicles while the neighbouring Toyota facility will house both the event’s busy Headquarters and Media facilities.
As well as providing the competing teams with the required space and conditions for them to service their high-tech cars, feed personnel and entertain guests, the FREE to enter Deeside facility will boast a host of added attractions and initiatives to entertain and enthral visitors of all ages.
“We have invested considerable funds into this fabulous new service park in Deeside and we want to encourage as many people as possible to come and see the cars, experience the event and have a great time,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organisers International Motor Sports Ltd. “Deeside is not only perfectly placed for some of the legendary Welsh forest stages and the two new family-friendly RallyFest stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park, but also is close to major roads such as the M56 and A55 thus providing those living in places like Liverpool and Manchester a rare chance to experience the excitement of World Rally Championship. It’s a not-to-be missed opportunity and another important element to the revitalisation of Wales Rally GB.” 

Book tickets in advance to save money at the website here.

NEWS: Wales Rally GB Family Fun

Wales Rally GB is getting closer – November 14-17th – and the UK’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship not only features a new home in north Wales but also an exciting new competitive route, with plenty on offer for hardened rally fans naturally, but also lots of family-friendly fun too.
The family-friendly fun includes:
• Three new RallyFest Stages aimed at wowing wider audiences
• Special spectator experiences at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park
• Discounted ticket offers for families booking in advance
The action-packed, four-day schedule includes 22 competitive special stages and features the re-introduction of some classic timed sections in the legendary Welsh forests and around the Great Orme. It will also see the inclusion of some exciting new venues aimed at taking what’s one of the world’s most thrilling and dramatic high speed sports to new audiences.
Stages at Sweet Lamb in Powys on Friday, Chirk Castle near Wrexham on Saturday and Kinmel Park in Conwy on Sunday have been designated as special RallyFest Stages. As well seeing all the top class rally cars in spectacular action twice during the day, all three RallyFests will provide a wide range of facilities and entertainment not traditionally found in the forests.
Setting out to appeal to those spectators either new to rallying or planning to attend with young children and looking to spend the entire day in one location, RallyFest Stages will include a big screen with live coverage, catering village, live commentary, on-stage and static displays of historic rally cars, a chance to win some great prizes plus a range of other attractions to entertain those of all ages. Visitors can also enjoy live music from bands, with The Establishment among those performing at Chirk Castle while The Gramotones will be keeping the crowds entertained at both Sweet Lamb and Kinmel Park.
Further enhancing the experience, significant discounts are available for families attending these RallyFests. Individual adult tickets are priced at just £25*, but the special family offer for two adults and two children, if booked in advance, is an even more affordable £42* with an extra £1* for each additional child. Every adult RallyFest ticket also includes a free programme normally priced at £7.50.
“The move to north Wales has not only allowed us to refresh the entire event but also to make the sport far more accessible to a totally new audience – these family-friendly RallyFest stages are designed to do just that,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organisers International Motor Sports Ltd. “Sweet Lamb has always been a very popular viewing spot for rally enthusiasts but Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park are totally new venues.
“More importantly both are close to major road networks and thus just a short drive from large conurbations in Wales and the North West of England such as Manchester and Liverpool,” continued Coe. “Rallying has always had enormous appeal in the UK; it wasn’t so long ago that more than a million people would watch the RAC Rally. Now these new RallyFest Stages will help the sport to re-engage with some of those former fans as well as excite a whole new generation of avid followers.
“All-comers will be treated to some fast-moving, mind-blowing action in Kinmel Park while the more compact Chirk RallyFest is going to be a ‘must see’ family-friendly attraction. Not least as it’s set against the ancient 14th Century ramparts with day-long, high octane entertainment the likes of which the historic National Trust property will never have seen before in its 700year history!”

Discover more here.

VIDEO: Hyundai i20 WRC Test

Can't wait for this little badboy to launch next year. Maybe Hyundai can have an unreal launch season like VW eh? Why the heck not! Good to see new blood in WRC. We'd like to see Mitsubishi, Subaru and Nissan back in rallying. Who'd you like to see there?

NEWS: Wales Rally GB Hospitality Packs Are Go!

Wales Rally GB hospitality packages are now on sale – offering four cool packages, at four sensational Wales Rally GB viewing points, with different hospitality locations for each day of the rally (14-17 November), priced from just £129 +VAT. See the only round of the WRC in the UK in style... 

With the event heading back to its roots and having been relocated to North Wales for this year, the hospitality on offer for 2013 is based at all-new in-stage viewing points. On each day of the rally, from the Thursday to the Sunday, the hospitality will be situated in a different stunning location along the rally route.
For qualifying on the Thursday in the middle of Coed Llandegla Forest, hospitality is based at the Llandegla Oneplanet Mountain Bike Centre where the thrilling forest qualifying stage will be watched from a VIP viewing point, before returning to the centre for a full hearty and traditional Welsh lunch.
On the Friday at Sweet Lamb, among some of the most magnificent scenery in the heart of mid-Wales, and with a 270° view, corporate guests will get to watch the WRC cars traverse a deep water splash, jumps and hairpin bends before competitors cross the River Wye and head over the valley. A three course meal is included, as well as access to the RallyFest entertainment area. Benefits also include live commentary and an exhilarating atmosphere from one of the largest crowds expected on any of the special stages of the rally.
Saturday’s hospitality location is the ultimate breathtaking venue – Chirk Castle – a 700-year-old fortress owned by the National Trust, and this has never previously featured as a stage on the event. Hospitality guests can take in castle views of the spectacular surrounding countryside, and after a fitting banquet lunch inside the magnificent castle, the afternoon stage will be used twice in quick succession by the WRC contenders, followed by one running of the National field.
On Sunday, true rally fans will be keen to head to Kinmel Park, which was last part of the Rally GB route in the 1970s. From here there are sensational views of the North Wales coastline, and it’s a fast stage using tracks around the old Victorian house and over rolling parkland. The in-stage experience starts with a champagne brunch at the Kinmel Arms, before guests access the VIP viewing area to see two runs of the WRC and National competitors.
Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of Wales Rally GB event organiser International Motor Sports, said: “Rallying is such an exciting product for client entertainment, and MatchPoint is the perfect partner to help us deliver the very best hospitality packages at Wales Rally GB, in four incredible North Wales forest and countryside locations.
“What’s more, Wales Rally GB hospitality offers not only great value for money, compared to other motor sport events in the UK, but also puts corporate clients right in the middle of the action with our unique ‘in-stage’ experiences at Llandegla Forest, Sweet Lamb, Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park. Being at the heart of it all is just one of the USPs of Wales Rally GB hospitality.
“Where else in the world could you imagine having lunch in a thirteenth century castle, with twenty-first century WRC cars thundering past outside! This is truly a ‘one of a kind’ experience.”
Neil Cunningham, Group Managing Director of MatchPoint, said: “We are delighted to be partnering again with Wales Rally GB. We have developed a range of options to allow our rally clientele to enjoy world class motor sport in a cost effective way. We are looking forward to working with the Wales Rally GB team again, as well as all the local suppliers, with whom we’ve built great relationships over the last three years.”
Prices for official 2013 Wales Rally GB hospitality, from MatchPoint, start at £129 + VAT per person. This is for qualifying hospitality at Llandegla Forest on the Thursday (14 November).
For further information on each of the four 2013 Wales Rally GB hospitality packages available, visitwww.walesrallygb.com/hospitality. To make a booking and secure your place at the heart of the rally, call MatchPoint directly on +44 (0)2920 022 838 or email walesrallygb@matchpoint.co.uk.

Alternatively, for general admittance, Wales Rally GB adult tickets to individual forest stages on the day have been reduced to £15* (from £20 in 2012) while Day Passes have been re-introduced providing multiple stage access for just £33* including the Qualifying Stage at Llandegla on Thursday morning. Moreover all adult tickets include a free programme priced at £7.50. The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme has been extended providing those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket giving access to all 22 stages for just £1*. Those aged eight and under are admitted free. Though included in Day Passes, individual tickets for RallyFest Stages are also available priced at £25* with significant discounts available for families. The price for two adults and two children, for example, is £42* (when booked in advance) with an extra £1* for each additional child. The World Rally Pass is available for just £99 (down from £130 in 2012). Full details can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com websites, now with a dedicated version optimised for mobile phones via www.walesrallygb.com/mobile/home.php.

And for further updates follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com.

Action images - Les Kolczak - www.worldrallypics.com

NEWS: Opportunity Knocks for Amateurs @ Wales Rally GB

 

Opportunity knocks for rally amateurs at this year's re-vamped Wales Rally GB – with amateur rally crews are being offered three different national rally competition options to compete against the sport’s elite on this event running from its new base in North Wales, 14-17 November. This gives even more VFM for the fans watching the only British WRC event. Hooray!
Following extensive research among competitors, two different National events will be run alongside Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC); there’s also the opportunity for more ambitious entrants to contest Wales Rally GB in its entirety.
Ensuring all participants take full advantage of the WRC’s presence in north Wales, all teams will be based beside the premier world championship outfits in the new Service Park situated in Deeside. Adding to their appeal, the two National events feature many of the same classic Welsh forest stages as tackled by the WRC crews as well as the exciting new spectator stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park, and the historic Great Orme. Finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.
The longer, three-day National rally includes no fewer than 11 of the 13 Wales Rally GB stages starting on Friday with challenging tests in Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin. The shorter two-day National rally commences on Saturday morning and then shares the same route as the on-going three-day event.
Saturday’s schedule includes four challenging stages – Gartheinog, Dyfi, Dyfnant and Chirk Castle. Sunday kicks off with a second run through Dyfnant and then follows the WRC route via Penllyn, Clocaenog and Kinmel Park before a dramatic conclusion on the historic Great Orme.
As well as giving amateurs an outstanding opportunity to compete on the same classic stages as the top stars from the FIA World Rally Championship, the two National rallies offer great value for money. The three-day event includes 114 miles of competitive stages for an entry fee of just £900 while the 72-mile, two-day alternative is priced at £600. Categories for historic and FIA classes are available all with their own awards. A generous Guest Pass package is also available for competitors with a dedicated hospitality facility being constructed in the Deeside Service Park.
More ambitious amateurs can, of course, tackle Wales Rally GB with its 196 miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening. Indeed, to encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience, the organisers are offering crews where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport, a significantly discounted entry fee reduced to £1500 from £2598.
“Wales Rally GB is the grand finale to both the FIA World Rally Championship and the British rallying season and we are doing everything we can to ensure we are providing something really special for all those wanting to compete,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. “The move to north Wales and the reintroduction of some truly classic Welsh forest stages and, of course, the Great Orme has been extremely well received. Now by offering the choice between two National rallies, plus discounted entries into the main event, we are confident that Wales Rally GB will be a hugely attractive opportunity no one will want to miss. It offers not only a chance for amateurs to pit their skills against rallying’s elite but also some fantastic stages and great value for money.”
What’s more the addition of many of the country’s top amateur crews will add further to the thrilling spectator experience with the promise of lots more spectacular action plus the inclusion of some exciting rally cars from past and present eras.
Adding to the appeal of the new-look Wales Rally GB, prices of adult admittance to individual forest stages on the day have been reduced to £15 (from £20 in 2012) while Day Passes have been re-introduced providing multiple stage access for just £33. Four-day World Rally Passes are available for £99. Moreover all adult tickets include a free programme priced at £7.50. The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme has been extended providing those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket giving access to all 22 stages for just £1. Those aged eight and under are admitted free. Full details can be found on the www.walesrallygb.com websites, now with a dedicated version optimised for mobile phones via www.walesrallygb.com/mobile/home.php.
For the latest updates, directions and stage information, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter@walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com.

NEWS: At Last: WRC Terrestrial ITV4 Deal & Extra Wales Rally GB Shows!

Thank God... TV media moguls have finally agreed to screen the FIA World Rally Championship to UK audiences on free-to-air terrestrial television – namely ITV4 and ITV4 HD – for the remainder of 2013! Hooray! Not only that... for our home event of Wales Rally GB two additional 30-minute highlight programmes will be broadcast on Friday and Saturday evenings during the event. Double hooray!
Naturally, the news has been enthusiastically welcomed by International Motor Sports Limited, organiser of Wales Rally GB (14-17 November), Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 WRC – with its new-look route, North Wales base and the welcome return of night stages for the hardcore rally fans and more family-friendly town spectator stages.
Following an agreement between WRC Promoter GmbH, the WRC’s new commercial rights holder, and leading UK television network ITV all remaining rounds of the globe-trotting WRC will be broadcast on both ITV4 and ITV4 HD channels. The coverage actually started several months ago but only now has the programming for the full season – including additional airtime for Wales Rally GB – been confirmed.
Highlights from all remaining rounds of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship will be featured in a series of action-packed, stand-alone, one-hour programmes and will be transmitted in the week following each WRC round. And these programmes also will be available for subsequent repeat viewing as well as for additional exposure on mobile devices via the ITV.com website and ITV Player.
"This is fantastic news for the vast numbers of hard-core rally fans here in the UK as well as for a much wider television audience seeking some truly breath-taking entertainment," enthused Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of IMS. "Top class rallying is one of the world’s most spectacular sports and now UK viewers can follow all the thrilling action as the WRC travels around the globe en route to what’s going to be a fitting finale right here in the legendary Welsh forests. With its strong reputation for screening world-class sports such as the Champions League and the Tour de France, ITV4 is the perfect broadcaster for WRC. More importantly perhaps, these very welcome programmes will not only provide UK rally enthusiasts with free-to-air WRC coverage for the first time in five years but also help to introduce an all-new generation of thrill-seeking fans to what’s possibly the most stunning form of motor sport."
Reverting its traditional end-of-season date, Wales Rally GB is the grand finale to this year’s 13-round WRC which commenced with the classic Monte Carlo Rally in January.
For the latest updates, directions and stage information, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb  or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com

Photo credit: www.worldrallypics.com.

NEWS: Wales Rally GB Gets Better & Better

More great Rally GB news! First the exciting new North Wales route and now – after six front-runners from the MSA British Rally Championship already gained free entries into Wales Rally GB – a similar partnership has been launched with the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA).
International Motor Sports – organiser of Wales Rally GB – announced the news this week of "an exciting new partnership with the prestigious BTRDA Rally Series as another key component to its far-reaching ‘Road to Wales’ initiative."
They say: "In IMS’s strenuous efforts to ensure the new-look Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) is a fitting finale to both the globe-trotting FIA World Rally Championship and to the busy UK rallying season, every effort is being made to encourage top local crews to maximise their end-of-season opportunity to compete on the illustrious world stage.
"The REIS-Get Connected BTRDA Rally Series is the most popular Championship in the UK with over 260 registered contenders this year, and incorporates selected rounds of the MSA English Rally Championship and Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship within its nine round Series. The crew that captures the premier Gold Star Championship will be rewarded with a free entry into the three-day National Rally (15-17 November) being run alongside Wales Rally GB. What’s more the winners of the BTRDA Rally First Championship – a class for lower cost two-wheel-drive production cars – will receive a free entry into the two-day version of the National Rally (16-17 November), once again running on exactly the same classic Welsh forest stages as Wales Rally GB."
"We are determined to ensure our round of the World Rally Championship sits at the pinnacle of a thriving UK rallying scene," said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of IMS. "This is one of the few sports where enthusiastic amateurs, as well as budding young stars keen to make a name for themselves, can compete alongside world champions and it should be the one big end-of-season event on which everyone wants to compete. That’s why we are doing everything we can to encourage and assist the cream of UK rallying, whether competing in the BTRDA or British Rally Championships, to be a part of what’s going to be a massive and unmissable Wales Rally GB – hence the provision of these free entries. It will not only be a great experience for the winners but also provide spectators with even more top class action to follow."
BTRDA Championship Coordinator Steve Gregg is thrilled with IMS’s generous proposition. He said: "The British Trials and Rally Drivers Association is delighted to be offered these prizes by the Wales Rally GB organisers. As the largest rally championship in the country, this invitation gives our BTRDA competitors the opportunity and incentive to compete in the UK’s premier event. It will also ensure that the BTRDA maintains its long association with the event having provided a Team Entry for its members on previous rallies.
"The choice of the overall BTRDA Gold Star Champion and the Rally First Champion to receive these prizes also ensures that spectators will have the opportunity to see both the country’s top national driver as well as a Rally First driver from one of the most successful formulae introduced by the BTRDA to encourage and retain competitors into the sport,” continued Gregg.
"Wales Rally GB in all its previous guises was always an event that British competitors, including many who came from the BTRDA Rally Series, had on their ‘must do’ list and we hope this new partnership will encourage more to take up the challenge and support the excellent opportunity the event now provides for British competitors."
This new collaboration between the UK’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship and the BTRDA provides yet more impetus to the well-received ‘Road to Wales’ campaign – a targeted activity promoting Wales Rally GB with special displays at major events such as the renowned Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (14-16 June), Castle Combe’s popular Rallyday (21 September) and selected rounds of the MSA British Rally Championship.
For the latest updates, directions and stage information, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb  or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com

NEWS: VW Motorsport WRC Dominance In Portugal

VW Motorsport have done it again – continuing their incredible inaugural WRC season in the new (Carlos Sainz developed) VW Polo R WRC – with a win on the tricky gravel of Portugal (WRC round four and the second gravel event), thanks to Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia's dominant 58-second victory.
Team mates, Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila also got onto the podium, coming in third (behind Citroen's Mikko Hirvonen). And Andreas Mikkelsen and Mikko Markkula completed the awesome team performance for Volkswagen – with sixth place on their competitive debut in the Polo R WRC. Sébastien Ogier has now extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, courtesy of his third win of the season, by over 50 points. And VW Motorsport are top of the manufacturers standings: Dream stuff.
Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (Member of the Board of Management for the Volkswagen brand), said: "It was great to be present at such a magnificent success. I was very impressed by the manner in which the team earned this success, and how delighted they were by it. It is just fantastic to see how well the entire team is working together. This provides great backing for our drivers, who did an extraordinary job."
The second gravel rally of the season really put man and machine to the test. The conditions, with narrow, winding passages on rough, stony surfaces alternating with fast sections taken at full throttle, were the toughest encountered so far this season. Illness meant Sébastien Ogier was below strength going into the fourth rally of the year, but the Frenchman still held a slender lead at the end of day one. He extended his advantage at the top of the standings with four stage wins on Saturday, and retained his grip on the lead right through to the finish. The World Championship leader did have a bit of a shock at the start of the final day: the connector between the front and rear axles, which allows the handbrake to be used in tight hairpins, temporarily refused to close, causing him to lose time. A short service later, however, the number 8 Polo R WRC was back to full strength as it set off on the remaining stages.
Jari-Matti Latvala also had a worrying moment on Sunday: the driveshaft on the front-right of the car broke, forcing Latvala to tackle the 52.30-kilometre Almodovar stage – the longest on the rally – with just rear-wheel drive. Latvala consequently had to surrender second place overall, but superbly overcame the hindrance to hold off Evgeny Novikov (Ford) and earn his place on the podium.
A test of strategy: tyre selection secures victory on “Power Stage”
Even early on in the rally, Volkswagen’s top two drivers were already looking to save their tyres for the closing “Power Stage”. Additional points towards the Drivers’ Championship were up for grabs for those crews finishing first, second and third on the 52.30 kilometre special stage. And it proved to be a good decision. Starting on fresh Michelin tyres, the Volkswagen drivers were able to launch one last attack at the end of the rally: Sébastien Ogier picked up the three bonus points for clocking the fastest time on the “Power Stage”, while team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala earned one extra point for his third place.
A test of teamwork: Volkswagen service ensures podium finishes
The service played a key role at the Rally Portugal. The Volkswagen mechanics in the Service Park at the “Estádio Algarve” had a total of five time slots – of 15, 30 or 45 minutes – in which to repair the three Polo R WRCs. Given the tough conditions in Portugal, this barely gave the mechanics and engineers sufficient time, in which to replace worn parts and check the technology, which really took some punishment over the course of the four days. The 58-man Volkswagen team did an outstanding job, consistently sending the 315 hp four-wheel drive powerhouse from Wolfsburg back onto the stages in perfect condition.
A test for the newcomers: impressive start for Mikkelsen and Markkula
Andreas Mikkelsen and his co-driver Mikko Markkula, made a great start at the wheel of the third Polo R WRC, which was making its first outing of the season. Mikkelsen did exactly what the team had asked of him, gaining valuable experience in the World Rally Car under competitive conditions and crowning his reliability with sixth place overall and eighth World Championship points.
Quotes on day three of the Rally Portugal
Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7 said: "I am very happy and satisfied to stand on the podium for the first time for Volkswagen. We had a difficult start to the season, but our run of bad luck has finally come to an end. I feel really at home in the Polo R WRC now, and think that we will soon be able to do even better. The rally was a tough test for driver and car, as the route had suffered some serious erosion over the winter. The hard ground and many stones really put the car through its paces. Driver and co-driver had to be fully focussed and have perfect pace notes in order to get the car safely through the stages. Our mechanics did a perfect job of replacing the broken driveshaft on Sunday. As always, they were totally dependable – thank you. That all gives me a lot of encouragement ahead of the coming rallies, and I am already looking forward to Argentina in three weeks."
Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8 said: "Unbelievable. What a rollercoaster ride here in Portugal! I am overjoyed with the win. First the illness, then the brutal stages, which really push a rally car to the very limit. When we had the problem with the power transmission on this morning’s opening stage, I thought: ‘That’s it Séb. The rally is over.’ Fortunately we made it to the service and the guys did a fantastic job there. I think we really deserved the win. The rally was extremely demanding and difficult, for the car, the entire team, and particularly for me. When I arrived in Portugal on Monday evening, I was not certain whether I would be able to start. I was always tired and my energy reserves were completely empty. I was largely able to blank it out whilst I was driving, as the body is running on adrenalin then – but I certainly did not feel top fit. Fortunately my condition improved considerably over the last two days. I will now try to get as much rest and regain as much strength as possible in time for Argentina."
And Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9 said: "I learned something on every single metre of my first rally with the Polo R WRC. My goal was to gain as much experience as possible. I have come away with a lot of ideas as to how we can improve in the future. With the Polo R WRC, everything is a lot quicker than I am used to in Super-2000 cars. My pace notes were too detailed, particularly on fast sections. It was too much for Mikko to read them out, and for me to process them. We will work on that. The aerodynamics on the Polo R WRC are especially impressive. The cornering speeds are extremely high. As such, I am not yet using the full potential of the car in those corners we take in fourth, fifth or sixth gear. I just didn’t want to take any risks. All in all, however, I am very happy with my debut for Volkswagen. I received great support from the team, and would like to thank them for that.”
Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“The Rally Portugal was a real test for the team, the Polo R WRC and the drivers. It was the first typical gravel rally of the season, and was also one of the most demanding on the calendar so far. We saw at the start of the rally that the Polo R WRC and its rivals at Ford and Citroën are on a par with each other. First, third and sixth is an outstanding team result, for which we have the class of our drivers to thank. A huge compliment goes to the engineers and mechanics, who did a magnificent job and secured our third victory, despite a few teething problems with this brand-new car. I am proud of the entire team. In terms of pace, we are among the front-runners and appear to be able to force our rivals to make mistakes, without making any ourselves. With that in mind, we might just have to change our goals for the season."
Quite an incredible, unstoppable start to the WRC season. Amazing stuff. We can't wait to see the VW fly at Wales Rally GB 14th November. You going?


Full results from Rally Portugal

1. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F), Volkswagen	4:07:38.7 hrs.
2. Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen (FIN/FIN), Citroën	+ 58.2 sec.
3. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), Volkswagen	+ 4:04.5 min.
4. Evgeny Novikov/Ilka Minor (RUS/A), Ford	+ 5:27.7 min.
5. Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (Q/I), Ford	+ 7:43.5 min.
6. Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN), Volkswagen	+ 9:39.8 min.
7. Martin Prokop/Michal Ernst (CZ/CZ), Ford	+ 15:04.2 min.
8. Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson (N/S), Ford	+ 15:43.6 min.
9. Khalid Al Qassimi/Scott Martin (UAE/GB), Citroën	+ 15:56.9 min.
10. Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN), Škoda	+ 16:21.0 min.